2023 Honda City: What’s new?

The 2023 Honda City facelift made its much-anticipated debut in Malaysia last month, and it's poised to make a significant impact in the B-segment sedan market. This new iteration of the Honda City combines style, technology, and practicality, offering a compelling choice for a diverse range of buyers.

In the bustling B-segment, the Honda City has long been a stalwart, known for its reliability, comfort, and feature-rich offerings. The 2023 facelift carries forward this tradition with a fresh look and a host of updates.

One standout feature of the 2023 Honda City is its diversified lineup, catering to various customer preferences. It's available in five distinct variants, including the introduction of the new RS model. Whether you prioritize efficiency, advanced technology, or sporty aesthetics, there's a City variant to suit your needs.

This Honda sedan has a strong presence in the Malaysian automotive market, and its popularity is undeniable, with more than 423,000 City sedans on Malaysian roads since its introduction in 2002. The previous fifth-generation City, introduced in 2020, marked a significant milestone with the launch of the e:HEV RS variant, further elevating the B-segment.

As we delve deeper into the details, you'll discover how the 2023 Honda City facelift builds upon its legacy, offering a dynamic blend of style, technology, and performance to captivate the discerning Malaysian consumer.

Comparison with older model

Exterior

On the exterior, the 2023 Honda City facelift sports refreshed styling, including a redesigned front bumper with larger fog light housings, a slimmer chrome bar on the grille, and newly designed 16-inch wheels. The RS variants stand out with distinctive enhancements, such as a honeycomb front grille, rear diffuser, side skirts, and wheel design, along with a revamped RS emblem.

Overall, the new City is slightly longer than its predecessor, adding to its visual appeal. However, the width, height, and wheelbase remain unchanged. These design updates give the City a more dynamic and modern appearance, setting it apart from the outgoing model.

Interior 

Inside, the 2023 Honda City offers improved features across its variants. The base S model features an 8-inch infotainment unit, eight speakers, and coloured illumination for the automatic air conditioning. Higher trims include paddle shifters, leather upholstery, and a 7-inch TFT meter. The RS variants also come with wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The City's cabin combines practicality and comfort with updated technology, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Engine

The 2023 Honda City facelift continues to offer the same powertrain options. Most of the variants are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine delivering 121 hp and 145 Nm of torque. The range-topping RS variant features a 1.5-litre e:HEV hybrid powertrain, combining an electric motor and a petrol engine for a total output of 108 hp and 253 Nm of torque. This hybrid system allows for efficient city driving and reduced fuel consumption, making it an eco-friendly choice. The non-hybrid models are equipped with a CVT, while the hybrid variant uses an e-CVT transmission for seamless power delivery and a smooth driving experience.

Safety 

One of the most significant changes is the inclusion of Honda Sensing across all variants, a substantial leap from the previous lineup, where only the V Sensing and RS e:HEV came equipped with these advanced driver assistance systems. This update will undoubtedly enhance the safety and driving experience for all buyers.

The comprehensive safety suite features Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keep Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Warning, and Auto High Beam. 

Additionally, the e:HEV RS variant offers Low Speed Follow, enhancing its adaptive cruise control capabilities. The City also features six airbags as standard across all variants, and the S and E trims now come with side curtain airbags. This robust safety package ensures peace of mind for both drivers and passengers.

Price 

Pricing for the new City ranges from RM 84,900 for the base S variant to RM 111,900 for the top-of-the-line e:HEV RS variant. While there's been a slight increase in prices across the lineup, the City continues to offer compelling value for Malaysian consumers.

Price (on-the-road, without insurance)

• 2023 Honda City S: RM84,900
• 2023 Honda City E: RM89,900
• 2023 Honda City V: RM94,900
• 2023 Honda City RS: RM99,900
• 2023 Honda City e:HEV RS: RM111,900

The 2023 Honda City facelift is set to reclaim its position as a top contender against rivals like the 2023 Toyota Vios and the 2023 Nissan Almera. The 2023 Honda City facelift represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, especially in terms of safety and advanced technology. The inclusion of Honda Sensing ADAS as standard across all variants is a commendable move, enhancing driver assistance and safety. The refreshed exterior design adds a modern touch to the sedan's appearance.

However, the price increase, while justifiable considering these enhancements, may be a point of consideration for potential buyers. Overall, the 2023 Honda City offers a compelling package with upgraded features, making it a competitive choice in the B-segment sedan market.

Also read: Honda Accord sedan to be axed in Malaysia